Safety Reminder from SingaporeSailing

[P.J.]

11 Sept 2006

Dear Staff

RE: SAFETY AT NATIONAL SAILING CENTRE

Yesterday, as you are aware, we had a large thunderstorm come through during training.

In response we called back everyone from training due to the visibility and lightning risk. I think the response was satisfactory although there were some areas we can improve.

We subsequently found out that a windsurfer was likely struck by lightning whilst sailing out from the PA club a small distance down from our centre.

In light of these events I would like to reaffirm the issues we have previously discussed in our staff meetings on safety.

1.Do not be complacent. Safety is the number 1 priority at NSC and when we travel internationally.

2.You have been provided with life-jackets. It is compulsory to wear them. You are setting the example to the sailors. This is a DIRECTIVE not a request.

3.You must wear the safety-lanyard to kill the engine. This is a DIRECTIVE not a request.

4.You must carry and monitor your VHF radio. This is a DIRECTIVE not a request.

5.Before launching check the lightning Advisory Number (Tel: 62826821). National Sailing Centre is situated in Sector 15. Category 1 means likelihood of high-lightning activity.

6.Check the off-shore and on-shore cloud conditions before launching to see if any storms approaching the NSC. If in doubt consult with experienced people such as Edwin Low (Tel: 96750858)

7.Do not risk sailing into dark, black clouds in the hope of wind when there is obvious lightning around

8.Carry your VHF radio and monitor the radio. Edwin made several radio calls yesterday to call back all classes before the storm hit.

9.Do not wait for radio call if you can hear and see the storm approaching. Best to call other boats and the land to alert them of the approaching storm. Be proactive and be very prompt.

10.Do a sweep to ensure all your sailors and all other sailors have returned.

11.When the sailors are on shore make them quickly get under cover and not stand around on the beach. On the beach they are at risk from lightning. The boats can be packed up later after the storm or re-launched once the all clear is given.

We are now entering the inter-monsoon period where the conditions become a little unpredictable so please play safe.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Regards

Andrew J Sanders
Executive Director
SingaporeSailing